The Signals and Noise
Ending February 6, 2026
Be Present
Many years ago, multitasking became a thing. Clever folks were able to walk and chew gum at the same time as the old saying goes.
we can learn a lot from ancient wisdom. For example, to counter multitasking, an old Buddhist monk once said “wherever you are make sure you are there”.
Many sports professionals for example, tennis and golf, say you simply forget about the last shot, whether good or bad and focus on the shot required next. Don't become attached and emotionally charged about what just happened. Focus on the here and now.
The meaning behind "wherever you are make sure you are there" is when you are doing an activity, whether it is swimming, reading, eating, etc just focus on the task at hand. No multitasking, no thinking about the past or the future, just pay your full attention to the present - what is in front of you.
These days I see many people listening to music while doing all sorts of other activities. I do it myself. My apartment is cleaned but only if I can listen to a podcast or YouTube clip while I am doing it. Of course, I think this is harmless because in many respects, as little damage can come from cleaning the apartment and listening to a podcast at the same time.
But when it comes to investing, I make sure I am there. At this time of the year, we develop our Well 2 and Well 3 portfolios and set them for the coming year. I make sure I give it my full attention and I never rush in my decision-making. Focusing here is important because actions can lead to mistakes which in turn can have negative consequences on my portfolio. One benefit of having a consistent and systematic approach is a reduction in the potential for errors.
If you have a systematic approach that works, then your only job is to maintain the system and not get tempted to redirect your attention elsewhere becoming distracted by other approaches simply because you have read or heard about them and the promises they offer. Like many are at the moment with gold and silver. “Hey gold and silver are booming, maybe I should get some”? You can certainly rebalance your portfolio but often we start to think about adding the latest craze or a hot stock.
Focusing 100% on my portfolio allows me to reflect calmly and ask myself questions. Am I maintaining my systematic approach? Am I acting out or logic or emotion? Do I really know about the role gold and silver play in my portfolio? Do I have FOMO?
When you look at your portfolio, you should always think in the context of your systematic approach and ask yourself simple questions as I have suggested above. This makes investing much easier and less emotional which allows us to benefit from focus.
So, wherever you are make sure you are there.
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